Justice department launches dual inquiries into national security leaks

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/jun/09/us-justice-department-leak-inquiry

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The US has launched two criminal inquiries into the suspected disclosure of national security secrets amid allegations that the White House orchestrated the leaks to boost Barack Obama's re-election hopes.

The attorney general, Eric Holder, announced that the investigations would be headed by two federal prosecutors, Ronald Machen Jr of Washington DC, and Rod Rosenstein of Maryland, who would be "fully authorised to prosecute criminal violations discovered as a result of their investigation".

The president dismissed allegations linking his administration to the leaks.

"The notion that my White House would purposely release classified national security information is offensive," he told reporters, adding: "It's wrong and people need to have a better sense of how I approach this office."

Announcing the twin probes, Holder said: "The unauthorised disclosure of classified information can compromise the security of this country and all Americans and it will not be tolerated."

The secrets alleged to have been disclosed to the media have included reports on US cyber warfare against Iran, procedures for targeting militants with drones and the existence of a double agent who penetrated a militant group in Yemen.

The issue has spilled into the presidential campaign, with some Republicans claiming that the leaks were calculated to boost the Democratic president's re-election prospects.

US lawmakers from both political parties have been unnerved by the publication of sensitive information and are planning legislation to toughen penalties for leakers.

One lawmaker said there were indications a high-level individual was involved in the media disclosures.

"Someone from a very senior clearance level has provided information, that's very clear in the preliminary review," Representative Mike Rogers, the Republican chairman of the House of Representatives intelligence committee, said.

Holder's announcement received bipartisan support.

"I am pleased he has picked strong, capable, independent prosecutors for the investigation," Democratic Senator Patrick Leahy, chairman of the judiciary committee, said in a statement.

House judiciary committee chairman Lamar Smith, a Texas Republican, said he hoped the justice department would bring "the full force of the law" against the leakers.

"We need to send a clear message to anyone who considers leaking sensitive information and putting Americans at risk: if you leak classified information, you will face jail time," he said.

The FBI also has opened investigations into some of the recent reports about sensitive national security matters.

Obama said on Friday that he would root out those responsible for the revelations because "in some cases it's criminal – these are criminal acts when they release information like this. And we will conduct thorough investigations, as we have in the past.

"Since I've been in office my attitude has been zero tolerance for these kinds of leaks and speculation."

The justice department has been criticised by media and civil liberties advocates for prosecuting low-level leakers.

But Senator John McCain, the Republican who lost the presidency to Obama in 2008, has accused the administration of apparently sanctioning leaks by senior administration officials for political purposes.